Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir Voronin on U.S.-Moldovan Relations

We welcome the positive development and expansion of U.S.-Moldovan
relations over the last 11 years. The relationship of our two
countries is based on a shared commitment to promoting prosperity,
freedom, and security in Moldova and throughout the region.

Together, we reaffirm our support for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and underscore our
determination to bring the Transnistrian separatist conflict to a
peaceful resolution. We stress our continued commitment to the ongoing
OSCE-led Transnistria talks and, in particular, to the Kiev Document as
the basis for negotiation of a lasting settlement.

We note and welcome the Russian Federation's intention to implement
fully its commitments undertaken at the OSCE's Istanbul Summit by
completing the withdrawal of its forces from the territory of Moldova
by December 31, 2003. We urge Transnistria's authorities to support
unconditionally this process. If the Transnistrian authorities
continue systematically to create obstacles for the disposal or
withdrawal of Russian ammunition and military equipment, we are
prepared to consider together with other concerned countries targeted
measures directed at the Tiraspol regime.

We recognize the progress that Moldova has made in transforming its
economy in a free market direction, most notably in the agricultural
sector. At the same time, we are cognizant of the economic challenges
currently facing Moldova, including Moldova's particularly difficult
debt situation. We are in complete accord that Moldova must strengthen
its reform efforts, especially in the areas of privatization and the
energy sector, and improve its investment climate. We agreed that with
strong and clearly demonstrated performance under Moldova's IMF
program, the United States would consider participating in a
comprehensive plan to stabilize Moldova's debt outlook in the medium
term.

We note and welcome Moldova's positive record since independence in
conducting free and fair elections and in implementing democratic
reforms. We pledge our commitment to upholding the principles of
democracy and human rights and to observing them in practice. To this
end, we underscore the vital importance of further progress in meeting
OSCE election standards and in strengthening free and independent media
in Moldova.

Finally, we reaffirm the importance of continued cooperation
between the United States and Moldova in promoting regional security,
including through our common efforts at combating the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction; transnational crime; and trafficking in
persons. We will deepen our cooperation to combat international
terrorist threats to world peace both in our own countries and
internationally. The United States appreciates Moldova's support in
the global war on terrorism.